Abdullah Anderson Explained

Abdullah Anderson
Current Team:Tennessee Titans
Number:78
Position:Defensive end
Birth Date:24 January 1996
Birth Place:Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
Height Ft:6
Height In:4
Weight Lb:295
College:Bucknell (2014–2017)
Undraftedyear:2018
Pastteams:
Status:Active
Highlights:
  • Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year (2017)
  • FCS Collegiate Player of the Year (2017)
  • 3× first-team All-Patriot League (2015–2017)
  • Second-team FCS All-American (2017)
Statleague:NFL
Statseason:2023
Statlabel1:Tackles
Statvalue1:54
Statlabel2:Sacks
Statvalue2:2.5
Statlabel3:Forced fumbles
Statlabel4:Fumble recoveries
Statvalue4:1
Statlabel5:Pass deflections
Statvalue5:1
Statlabel6:Interceptions
Statlabel7:Touchdowns
Pfr:AndeAb00

Abdullah Malik Anderson Jr. (born January 24, 1996) is an American professional football defensive end for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Bucknell. Anderson signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2018 and spent three seasons with them before playing with several other NFL teams.

Early life

Anderson was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, on January 24, 1996. He grew up in nearby Galloway Township and attended Absegami High School.[1] He is the only son of Abdullah Anderson Sr. and Octavia Anderson. Anderson has one older sister, Amira.

College career

Anderson attended Bucknell, where he majored in Economics. As a freshman, he started all 11 games at defensive tackle; he was one of five defensive players to start every game and the only freshman on team to do so.[2]

During his second year in 2015, Anderson was one of six defensive players to start all 11 games and one of three defensive linemen to start every game. He totaled 46 tackles, eight tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks and three pass breakups from defensive tackle position. He ranked seventh on team in tackles and fifth on squad in tackles for loss.

In his junior season, Anderson started all 11 games on the defensive line for a third straight year. He ranked fourth on team with 55 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, five pass breakups and two blocked kicks. Anderson ranked second in the Patriot League in tackles for loss and ranked third in Patriot League in sacks. He was named Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week on November 21 after totaling five tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, one pass breakup and two blocked field goals against Fordham.

During his senior year in 2017, Anderson recorded 42 tackles, nine tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries, an interception, and blocked an extra point. In addition to being named All-Patriot League for the fourth time, he was named the 2017 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year and NCAA FCS Collegiate Player of the Year by the Brooks-Irvine Memorial Football Club.[3] He was also named second-team All-American by the Associated Press.[4]

Anderson ended his college career with 43 starts in which he had 171 tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 15.5 sacks, and a school-record four blocked kicks.

Professional career

Chicago Bears

Before the 2018 NFL draft, Anderson participated in private workouts with the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks.[5] After not being selected in the draft, he signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent.[6] He was released during final roster cuts and signed to the team's practice squad.[7] [8] He remained with the team for the 2019 offseason after signing a future/reserve contract.[9]

Anderson made the 2019 Bears' final roster and played in his maiden NFL game in the season opener against the Green Bay Packers. He was waived on September 11 and moved to the practice squad to make room for tight end J. P. Holtz,[10] [11] but was promoted to the active roster on September 23 to increase defensive line depth following Bilal Nichols' injury.[12] He was waived on September 30 and re-signed to the team's practice squad on October 1.[13] [14] He was promoted to the 53-man roster again on October 14 after Kyle Long was placed on injured reserve.[15]

In the third quarter of the Bears' 36–25 loss to the New Orleans Saints on October 20, 2019, Anderson recorded his first career NFL sack on Teddy Bridgewater. In addition to his sack, Anderson had a tackle for loss and two total tackles.[16]

Anderson was among the final roster cuts on September 5, 2020,[17] before being placed on the practice squad a day later.[18] He was released on September 14.[19]

Minnesota Vikings

On September 21, 2020, Anderson was signed to the Minnesota Vikings' practice squad.[20] He was elevated to the active roster on November 7 for the team's week 9 game against the Detroit Lions, and reverted to the practice squad after the game.[21] His practice squad contract with the team expired after the season on January 11, 2021.[22]

Pittsburgh Steelers

Anderson signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on April 12, 2021.[23] He was waived on August 17, 2021.[24]

Green Bay Packers

On August 25, 2021, Anderson signed with the Packers.[25] On August 31, 2021, Packers released Anderson as part of their final roster cuts.[26] He was signed to the practice squad the next day.[27] He was released on September 21, 2021.[28]

Tennessee Titans

On September 29, 2021, Anderson was signed to the Tennessee Titans practice squad.[29] He was released on October 26.[30]

Green Bay Packers (second stint)

On November 2, 2021, Anderson was signed to the Packers practice squad.[31] He was elevated to the active roster on December 18 ahead of a week 15 game against Baltimore Ravens.[32] He was elevated to the active roster again on January 1, 2022, ahead of a Week 17 game against the Vikings.[33] He was elevated to the active roster the third time on January 8, 2022, ahead of a Week 18 game against the Detroit Lions.[34]

Atlanta Falcons

On August 7, 2022, Anderson signed with the Atlanta Falcons.[35] On September 1, 2022, Anderson was signed to the 53 man roster for the Falcons.[36] The Falcons released Anderson on September 10, 2022, a day before the start of the 2022 season.[37] He was signed to the practice squad two days later.[38] He was promoted to the active roster on September 19.[39]

Washington Commanders

Anderson signed with the Washington Commanders on March 17, 2023.[40] He was released on August 29, 2023, but re-signed two days later.[41] [42] On October 14, he was released again and signed to the practice squad two days later.[43] [44]

Tennessee Titans (second stint)

On August 16, 2024, Anderson signed with the Tennessee Titans.[45]

Career NFL statistics

Regular season

YearTeamGamesTacklesInterceptionsFumbles
GP GS TklAst Comb Solo Sack Int Yards Avg Lng TD PD FF FR Yards TD
CHI6 0 31 4 3 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
MIN1 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
GB3 0 11 2 1 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ATL16 8 1525 40 12 1 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
2023WASH705384.5000.00000000
Career 33 8 2430 54 20 2.5 0 0 0.0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0
Source: NFL.com

External links

Notes and References

  1. Gill, Mike. "Absegami Grad Abdullah Anderson Heading to Windy City", WPEN (FM), April 28, 2018. Retrieved September 28, 2019. "The Galloway Township product had a very good showing at the NFL combine, allowing him to jump on NFL teams radar, getting workouts with multiple teams including the Seahawks and 49ers... He was the 2017 Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, and in 43 career games, the 2014 Absegami alum accumulated 171 tackles, 33.5 tackles for a loss, 15.5 sacks and four blocked kicks."
  2. Web site: Abdullah Anderson. Bucknell Bison. September 26, 2019.
  3. Web site: Bucknell's Abdullah Anderson Signs with Chicago Bears. Bucknell Bison. April 28, 2018. September 26, 2019.
  4. News: Bucknell's Anderson signed to Bears' practice squad. The Daily Item. September 28, 2018. September 26, 2019.
  5. Web site: Larrabee. Kirk. 49ers workout Bucknell defensive tackle Abdullah Anderson. 247Sports.com. April 12, 2018. September 26, 2019.
  6. Web site: Mayer. Larry. Roster Moves: Bears ink 15 undrafted rookie free agents. Chicago Bears. May 10, 2018. May 11, 2018.
  7. Web site: Smith. Michael David. Khalil Mack trade official, Bears down to 53. Profootballtalk.com. September 1, 2018. September 2, 2018.
  8. News: Campbell. Rich. Bears announce their 10-man practice squad. Chicago Tribune. September 3, 2018. September 18, 2018.
  9. News: Finley. Patrick. Bears sign 10 players to futures contracts. Chicago Sun-Times. January 8, 2019. January 14, 2019.
  10. Web site: Mayer. Larry. Roster moves: Bears add TE Holtz, waive DT Anderson. Chicago Bears. September 11, 2019. September 11, 2019. September 28, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190928223856/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-moves-bears-add-te-holtz-waive-dt-anderson. dead.
  11. Web site: Wiltfong Jr.. Lester A.. Bears sign Abdullah Anderson to the practice squad, release James Vaughters. Windy City Gridiron. SB Nation. September 13, 2019. September 13, 2019.
  12. News: Barbieri. Alyssa. Bears sign DT Abdullah Anderson, waive TE Bradley Sowell. USA Today. Bears Wire. September 23, 2019. September 23, 2019.
  13. Web site: Bears waive DL Abdullah Anderson. Bears Wire. September 30, 2019.
  14. BearsPR . 1179136213850185728 . October 1, 2019 .
    1. Bears roster move: We have signed DL Abdullah Anderson to the practice squad.
    .
  15. News: Bears put Kyle Long on IR, promote Abdullah Anderson. https://web.archive.org/web/20191014180546/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/nfl/bears-put-kyle-long-on-ir-promote-abdullah-anderson/2019/10/14/573c1526-eeac-11e9-bb7e-d2026ee0c199_story.html. dead. October 14, 2019. Associated Press. The Washington Post. October 14, 2019. October 14, 2019.
  16. News: Weinberg. David. Local NFL update: Abdullah Anderson earns first career sack for Bears. The Press of Atlantic City. October 21, 2019. January 16, 2020.
  17. News: Mayer. Larry. Roster Moves: Chicago Bears announce 53-man roster. Chicago Bears. September 5, 2020. September 5, 2020.
  18. News: Mayer. Larry. Roster Moves: Bears sign 16 to practice squad. Chicago Bears. September 6, 2020. September 6, 2020.
  19. News: Mayer. Larry. Roster Moves: Ledarius Mack joins practice squad. Chicago Bears. September 14, 2020. September 14, 2020. September 17, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200917202005/https://www.chicagobears.com/news/roster-moves-ledarius-mack-joins-practice-squad. dead.
  20. News: Vikings Place LB Anthony Barr on IR; Sign DT Abdullah Anderson to Practice Squad. Minnesota Vikings. September 21, 2020. September 21, 2020.
  21. News: Vikings Elevate Brett Jones to Active Roster; Announce Roster Moves . Vikings.com . November 7, 2020 . December 13, 2020.
  22. News: Five players have contracts expire . FantasyGuru.com . January 11, 2021 . February 17, 2021.
  23. News: Varley, Teresa . Steelers sign Anderson . Steelers.com . April 12, 2021 . April 12, 2021 . April 12, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210412191557/https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-sign-anderson . dead .
  24. Web site: Steelers reduce roster to 85 players. Varley, Teresa. Steelers.com. August 17, 2021. August 18, 2021. August 18, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210818004104/https://www.steelers.com/news/steelers-reduce-roster-to-85-players. dead.
  25. Web site: Packers place WR Devin Funchess on IR, sign two . packers,com . August 25, 2021 . August 25, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210825203734/https://www.packers.com/news/packers-place-wr-devin-funchess-on-ir-sign-two . dead .
  26. Web site: Packers announce roster moves . packers.com . August 31, 2021 . August 31, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210831234104/https://www.packers.com/news/packers-announce-roster-moves-x7726 . dead .
  27. Web site: Packers sign 16 players to practice squad . packers.com . September 1, 2021 . September 1, 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210901181556/https://www.packers.com/news/packers-sign-16-players-to-practice-squad . dead .
  28. Web site: Packers release TE Jace Sternberger. packers.com. September 21, 2021. September 21, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210921212356/https://www.packers.com/news/packers-release-te-jace-sternberger. dead.
  29. Web site: Titans Move WR Marcus Johnson, DB Brady Breeze to "Designated for Return from Injured Reserve" List. Wyatt, Jim. TennesseeTitans.com. September 29, 2021.
  30. Web site: Titans Add Two to Practice Squad, Release Three Others. Wyatt, Jim. TennesseeTitans.com. October 26, 2021.
  31. Web site: Packers sign LS Steven Wirtel to active roster . packers.com . November 2, 2021.
  32. Web site: Packers sign S Shawn Davis to active roster . packers.com . December 18, 2021.
  33. Web site: Packers activate six off reserve/COVID-19 list . packers.com . January 1, 2022.
  34. Web site: Packers activate C/G Josh Myers off injured reserve . packers.com . January 8, 2022.
  35. Web site: Falcons reinforce defensive line with new signing . AtlantaFalcons.com . August 7, 2022.
  36. Web site: Falcons place players on injured reserve, re-sign others .
  37. Web site: Falcons flex TE Anthony Firkser to active roster for Sunday, cut DL Abdullah Anderson. Choate, Dave. Thefalcoholic.com. September 10, 2022.
  38. Web site: Falcons add DL Abdullah Anderson to practice squad, place OL Tyler Vrabel on IR. Choate, Dave. Thefalcoholic.com. September 12, 2022.
  39. Web site: Falcons add defensive lineman to active roster. AtlantaFalcons.com. September 19, 2022.
  40. Web site: Commanders sign DL Abdullah Anderson. March 17, 2023. Commanders.com . March 17, 2023.
  41. Web site: Commanders release 20 players, place four on IR. Selby, Zach. Commanders.com. August 29, 2023.
  42. Web site: Commanders sign LB Jabril Cox to practice squad amid several roster moves. Commanders.com. August 31, 2023. August 31, 2023.
  43. Web site: Commanders activate DE Efe Obada from Injured Reserve. Commanders.com. October 14, 2023. October 14, 2023. Zach. Selby.
  44. Web site: Commanders sign DT Abdullah Anderson to practice squad. Commanders.com. October 16, 2023. October 16, 2023.
  45. Web site: Titans Add DL Abdullah Anderson, Place DL Marlon Davidson on Injured Reserve. Wyatt, Jim. TennesseeTitans.com. August 16, 2024.

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